Sunny side of do-or-die

Gold Coast banking on NEAFL experience factor

academy members.

”We are going to battle a bit to tell you the truth,” Suns coach Stephen Daniel said. “It’s going to be tough.” It isn’t anything new for the Suns who have had limited help from their senior listed players all campaign due to another season marred by widespread injury.

Daniel said those opportunities given to the younger players to gain experience will prove valuable as they look to beat the Thunder who won the only other game this season between the sides.

“We have been in this position and we have won games,” Daniel said.

“With all our academy kids that we have got the boys are really excited. “It’s the first home final in the club’s history for the NEAFL.”

Daniel said the team would take a strong run of form and a near flawless preparation into a game against a team who have struggled away from home this year.

“We have spoken to the boys about sticking to our structures and doing what we have done really well through the year to get us in this position,” Daniel said.

“We are lucky enough to have a home final and we believe our last three weeks have been very impressive.

“We had a good win against GWS, a terrific win against the Brisbane Lions and then we played against the best team in the competition in Sydney and got within a goal just before three quarter time.

“Our structures certainly stood up. We believe our build up and preparation has been second to none coming into the first final.”

The winner of today’s contest will go on to play Sydney away from home the following weekend.